For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public preschools serving 2,014 students in Sanford, NC.
The top-ranked public preschools in Sanford, NC are Benhaven Elementary School, Highland Elementary School and Floyd L Knight Children Center. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Sanford, NC public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 49% (versus the North Carolina public pre school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 49% (versus the 46% statewide average). Pre schools in Sanford have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public preschool average of 60% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Sanford, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Benhaven Elementary School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
520 Olive Farm Dr
Sanford, NC 27332
(919) 499-4811
Sanford, NC 27332
(919) 499-4811
Gr: PK-5 | 1,065 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #22.
Highland Elementary School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1915 Buffalo Lake Road
Sanford, NC 27330
(919) 499-2200
Sanford, NC 27330
(919) 499-2200
Gr: PK-5 | 854 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: #33.
Floyd L Knight Children Center
Special Education School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
607 W Mcintosh St
Sanford, NC 27330
(919) 774-4634
Sanford, NC 27330
(919) 774-4634
Gr: PK-12 | 95 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Sanford, NC?
The top-ranked public preschools in Sanford, NC include Benhaven Elementary School, Highland Elementary School and Floyd L Knight Children Center.
How many public preschools are located in Sanford?
3 public preschools are located in Sanford.
What is the racial composition of students in Sanford?
Sanford public preschools minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public preschools average of 60% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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